The Container Transport Vehicle Owners Association has reported that between 800 and 1,000 container transport vehicles are stranded at Colombo Port due to significant delays in the clearance of imported containers.
In a media address on 9th of January the association’s Chairman, Sanath Manjula, pointed to inefficiencies in the management of the Ports Authority and Sri Lanka Customs as the main causes of the bottleneck.
“The delays have forced drivers to stay at the port for nearly a week, resulting in severe congestion and operational challenges,” Mr. Manjula explained.
The repercussions of these delays are felt beyond logistics. The Wharf Workers’ Association has raised concerns that prolonged container clearance times could lead to a 20% increase in the cost of imported goods.
A.J.M. Jaufer, Deputy Chairman of the Wharf Workers’ Association, linked the potential price surge to the late fees imposed on institutions, which are ultimately passed on to consumers.
